Patents Examined by Steven Cotroneo
  • Patent number: 9283080
    Abstract: A hip implant has a neck body that connects to a bone fixation body. The bone fixation body has a porous structure with an elongated shape. An internal cavity is formed in the bone fixation body and includes a substance to stimulate bone growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Philip Scott Lyren
  • Patent number: 9259144
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: William Smith, Jared Arambula, Scot Martinelli
  • Patent number: 9241739
    Abstract: A system to stabilize and guide the growth of the spinal column includes an elongated support member having a width and a length and a guiding connector having a bone connecting portion and a guiding portion. The bone connecting portion secures the guiding connector to a vertebrae and the guiding portion has a bearing element with a passageway adapted to receive the elongated support member. The bearing element permits relative sliding movement of the elongated support element in the passageway of the bearing element. The system may further include a bone fixation element has an elongated support member receiving channel, a locking mechanism and a bone anchoring portion. The bone anchoring portion secures the bone fixation element to bone. The locking mechanism secures the elongated support member in the channel. The guiding connector is moveable along the elongated support member to permit and control the growth of the spinal column along a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Mueller, Meret Labhart
  • Patent number: 9237909
    Abstract: The surgical nail, here in the form of an intramedullary nail, has a central axis, a longitudinal borehole with a diameter D extending coaxially with the central axis, a casing with an inner surface and a transverse borehole, extending transversely to the central axis with the cross-sectional profile F and the borehole axis. A component, which narrows the cross-sectional profile F, is provided in the longitudinal borehole in the region of the transverse borehole. By these means, the clearance, which is usually present between the medullary nail and the locking screws that have been introduced therein, can be eliminated without risk and an improved holding force as well as an improved guiding effect between the locking screw and the medullary nail can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: André Schlienger, Dankward Höntzsch, Markus Buettler, Peter Senn
  • Patent number: 9226740
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including an elongate portion arranged, in use, to be inserted through a restricted opening into a body, the elongate portion being movable from a first configuration to a second, different configuration in which two parts of the instrument that are spaced from each other in the first configuration at least partially cross each other in the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SURGICAL INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: David Main, Michael White
  • Patent number: 9216042
    Abstract: An articulated fixation device is provided having a high degree of adjustability for securing a plate member thereof to a skull and at least one spinal rod thereof to a vertebral bone. In one form, an adjustable bridge member is provided that is adjustably connected to both the plate member and the spinal rod. The adjustable connections can include an upper and rearward pivot connection between the plate member and the bridge member and a lower and forward pivot connection between the spinal rod and the bridge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: PIONEER SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Berrevoets, Frankie Morris, Frederick E. Finger
  • Patent number: 9204909
    Abstract: A spinal rod system includes a first instrument extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion along a longitudinal axis thereof. The proximal portion defines an inner cavity extending along the longitudinal axis. The first instrument includes a first arm extending along the longitudinal axis. The first arm defines a portion of a vertebral construct cavity disposed in communication with the inner cavity and includes a distal end being configured to engage a bone fastener. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Alan Rezach, Jason May
  • Patent number: 9186180
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are external fixation devices including at least an elongate rod, a housing and an actuation member. The housing is coupled to the elongate rod and the actuation member is rotatably coupled to the housing such that a central longitudinal axis of the actuation member is angled and offset with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the elongate rod. Rotation of an actuation portion of the actuation member about the central longitudinal axis thereof in a first radial direction causes the housing to translate along the central longitudinal axis of the elongate rod in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Eric Chang, Beat Mürner
  • Patent number: 9173683
    Abstract: A revisable orthopedic anchor and method of use for removably securing an anchor in bone, such as compromised or degenerated bone, is described herein. In one embodiment, the anchor makes use of dual probes and vector divergence of the distal tips of the probes to achieve superior bone purchase and pull-out resistance. In such an embodiment, the probes can be inserted one at a time into a hole formed in, for example, the pedicle bone. After the probes are inserted and joined at the proximal end, they have a greater pull-out resistance than a threaded anchor. Removing the anchor involves separating the proximal heads and reversing the implantation process. As a result of the unique bone anchor design disclosed herein, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for less complicated implantation and removal of orthopedic anchors, all while providing enhanced bone purchase when implanted in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Riley Hawkins, Alexander Grinberg, Michael Michielli
  • Patent number: 9155574
    Abstract: A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a first state in which at least a portion of the body is flexible and a second state in which the body is generally rigid, an actuateable gripper disposed at one or more locations on the elongated body, a hub located on a proximal end of the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the gripper(s) to deploy the gripper(s) from a retracted configuration to an expanded configuration. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprises inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy at least one gripper of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Sonoma Orthopedic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Heber Saravia, Stephen R. McDaniel, Trung Ho Pham, Charles L. Nelson, Stephen Gunther
  • Patent number: 9138260
    Abstract: A clamping device for attaching to an external fixation element of an external fixation system includes a first jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a second jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface of the first jaw and the inner surface of the second jaw together forming a passage configured to receive the external fixation element of the external fixation system. A locking system is engageable with the first and the second jaws. A portion of the locking system is moveable relative to the first and the second jaws between a first position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a first size from between the first jaw and the second jaw and a second position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a second size from between the first jaw and the second jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. Miller, Michael W. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 9125750
    Abstract: Tissue spacer implants, surgical distraction instruments, surgical insertion tools, coupling devices, surgical kits, surgical methods for distraction, and methods for coupling bodies are disclosed. The tissue spacer implants include a first end member, a second end member, and an intermediate spacer member having a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the first end member with the intermediate spacer member and to couple the second end member with the intermediate spacer member. The surgical instruments may be used for inserting these implants and include a first elongated member, a second elongated member, a distraction mechanism, and an actuator. The coupling devices may be used to couple the components of the implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: MEDIVEST, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Farris
  • Patent number: 9101401
    Abstract: An assembly for treating a spinal disorder includes a sleeve having a socket end, a tool-receiving end and a wall extending between the socket end and tool-receiving end. The socket end has a socket opening for receiving a bone fixation screw cap and a pair of opposing notches for accommodating an elongated fixation member. A sleeve wall forms a bore extending axially between the tool-receiving end and the socket end of the sleeve. A method for repairing a spinal disorder includes the step of inserting a polyaxial screw into a vertebral bone, where the polyaxial screw has a screw cap. An elongated fixation member is inserted into the screw cap, followed by a fastener which is inserted into the screw cap in proximity to the fixation member. An adjustment device is connected to the screw cap to adjust the position of the polyaxial screw and vertebral bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Brian E. Dalton, Charlie Wing, John Nawarynski
  • Patent number: 9095383
    Abstract: An allograft interspinous spacer for implantation into an interspinous space located between spinous process of adjacent vertebrae. The spacer preferably includes a body, a core and a plurality of deployable retainers. The body may be operatively associated with the plurality of deployable retainers. In use, after the body has been inserted into the interspinous space, the plurality of retainers is deployed so that they prevent migration of the spacer. The core is preferably sized and configured to be inserted and/or moved into operatively engagement with the body to deploy the plurality of retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Aschmann, Justin Coppes, Robert J. Delurio, Benjamin S. Barrall, David Chow, Nicholas Angert
  • Patent number: 9095385
    Abstract: An instrument for inserting a spinal implant into an intervertebral space is disclosed. The instrument includes an elongated body having inner and outer shafts configured to longitudinally translate with respect to each other, a holding tip which is configured to articulate with respect to the elongated body in response to the longitudinal translation of the inner and outer shafts, and a driveshaft assembly configured to cooperate with the articulation of the holding tip and secure a spinal implant to the instrument. A spinal implant and a system for inserting a spinal implant into an intervertebral space including an insertion instrument and a spinal implant are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Wallenstein, George Miz, John I Williams
  • Patent number: 9084639
    Abstract: There is provided a spinal implant device for placement between adjacent spinous processes and a pair of opposing facet joints. The spinal implant device includes a fusion cage, first and second fixation plates and a connector for connecting the cage to the plates. The fusion cage includes a superficial face, a deep face, superior and inferior saddle portions, and opposing cage ends. Each cage end defining a facet fusion surface sized and configured to respectively contact the opposing facet joints. The first and second fixation plate are sized and configured to extend along and in contact with the adjacent spinous processes. A method of implanting the device is provided. In another embodiment the device includes the fusion cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Farzad Massoudi
  • Patent number: 9066813
    Abstract: Unidirectional dynamic interbody fusion devices and methods of use for insertion into a patient in order to maintain a space between two vertebral bodies. A first interbody fusion device including a body member, at least one side member, and a means for moving the at least one side member relative to the central body member. A second interbody fusion device including a base member, a top member, and a means for moving the top member relative to the base member. A surgical method for maintaining a space between two vertebral bodies in a spine, including obtaining a medical device, inserting and coupling an expansion tool into an opening within the medical device, slidingly inserting the medical device into a space between two vertebral bodies; and rotating the expansion tool to move the at least one side member in a direction relative to the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Farris, Daniel Refai, Brian G. Emerick, Ross R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9060819
    Abstract: A bone fixation device (1) comprising: A) a first bone implant (2) with at least one through hole (11) having an upper opening (3) with the area A and a lower opening (4) in the case of a bone plate (10) as the first bone implant (2); or an outer opening with the area A and an inner opening in the case of a hollow intramedullary nail as the first bone implant (2); B) at least one second bone implant (5) with a head (6) and a shaft for insertion into one or more of said through holes (11); and C) at least one closing cover (7) for closing said upper opening (3) or outer opening of said through hole (11) for preventing bone and soft tissue ingrowth and/or bacterial invasion into said through hole (11) and into said second bone implant (5) wherein said closing cover (7) is D) removably attachable to said first bone implant (2); and E) dimensioned and shaped in such a way that upon attachment to said first bone implant (2) it is apt to cover at least the entire area A of said upper opening (3) or outer opening an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: AO TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Robert Geoffrey Richards, Christoph Martin Noetzli
  • Patent number: 9011323
    Abstract: A soft tissue retractor includes a retractor body and a proximal projection extends generally perpendicular to the proximal end of the retractor body. An illumination waveguide engages a slot in the retractor blade to provide illumination to a surgical site while maintaining total internal reflection in the waveguide. An illumination input is formed into the proximal end of the illumination waveguide for conducting light from a source to the illumination waveguide. The proximal projection is configured for application of counter traction without the need for squeezing the retractor body. The proximal projection may be weighted to balance the soft tissue retractor as well as enabling the retractor to provide counter traction by itself. The configuration of the proximal projection further enables self-retraction by including a flat foot to prevent rolling and sliding of the retractor when it is providing self-retraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Invuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Vayser, Edward A. Covey, James K. Bredenkamp, Leland A. Stock
  • Patent number: 9011447
    Abstract: Pedicle screws are designed to provide polyaxial coupling to pedicles of a vertebra. Intermediate pieces are attached to the pedicles screws and receive extender shafts. Extenders are inserted in the intermediate piece. The extenders project the anatomic points located in the cage outside the patient's body to facilitate proper contouring of a rod. An alignment linkage is used to ensure that the extenders are parallel to each other. The alignment linkage includes a linkage frame, an articulating linkage and a locking member. The articulating linkage has all rotational degrees of freedom and thereby adapts to any varying trajectories of the extenders and distance between the extenders. The alignment linkage includes a locking member with a pop-up indicator. The pop-up indicator notifies the users when the locking member is tightened with two of the extenders in non-parallel configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Spine
    Inventors: Jeffery Arnett, Joshua A. Butters